Nov 25, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; The New Jersey Devils congratulate New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) on his goal during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Jets defeated the Devils 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

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Nov 25, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Andrew Ladd (16) skates with the puck while being defended by New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

NEWARK, N.J. — Slump-busting and sacrifice were the prevalent themes as the Winnipeg Jets snapped a season-long four-game losing skid.

Mark Scheifele and Evander Kane erased significant goal-scoring droughts, while Devin Setoguchi provided an insurance marker with 27.1 seconds to go as the Jets grabbed the lead and never let go for a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night before a crowd of 12,253 at the Prudential Center.

The Jets sat back a bit much in the third period, but blocked six of their 14 shots during the final frame — including four from Mark Stuart, who finished with a game-high five.

“We pushed,” said Setoguchi. “They had good bounce in the third, an extra step but we sacrificed the body, blocked a lot of shots. We got pucks out and pucks in. The simplicity of the game is what (was key) for us.”

Things got interesting after Patrik Elias provided a nifty redirection at 10:44 of the third period, but after surviving some Devils’ pressure, Setoguchi shot the puck into the empty net to ensure the Jets started off their six-game road trip on a positive note.

Scheifele’s goal was a big-league wrister that beat future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur high to the glove side and was his first since scoring in the season opener back on Oct. 1 against the Edmonton Oilers.

“I definitely watched him lots growing up, so it was big to score on him. I was pretty excited for that,” said Scheifele. “I wasn’t focusing on scoring as much (during the slump), I was thinking about playing good (defence) and what I can do to help the team. I didn’t lose any confidence, I kept on playing the same way, kept on learning. It was just a matter of time to get that chance and put it in.”

Kane, meanwhile, thought he may have scored twice.

Just past the seven-minute mark he took a quick shot that appeared to land between the pads of Brodeur behind the blue paint, but after the play went to video review, there was no camera angle that provided conclusive evidence that the puck ever fully crossed the goal line.

However, on the ensuing draw, Olli Jokinen won the draw back to Kane, who beat Brodeur for his seventh of the season.

“I thought (the first one) might be (a goal), but I guess it wasn’t. It was good to get one right after that,” said Kane. “I got a goal and hopefully, I can keep on scoring.”

Given how often the Jets had been unable to hold onto leads in third periods or surrendered late go-ahead goals, it was important for them to nail this one down, even if there were some sensitive moments.

“We hung onto a lead and came out on top,” said Kane. “We stuck to what made us successful and continued to play strong through three periods, for the most part.”

Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec played a key role in securing the win, turning aside 25 shots as he earned his 100th NHL victory.

“I was thinking about it a little bit a few days ago but then we lost four games in a row and I totally forgot,” said Pavelec. “It’s nice, but the number means nothing. It’s nice to get the win tonight, that’s what I’m worrying about right now.”

Jets right-winger Blake Wheeler nearly broke a 12-game drought of his own when drove hard to the net during the third period and put his backhand off the shoulder of Brodeur, leaving him to contribute in another fashion.

With the Jets protecting the lead, Wheeler slid to block a shot with his right leg, another example of the type of unselfish play required to help his team get back to .500 at 11-11-4.

“We got a little unnerved when they made it 2-1, but we stuck with it and the guys made some huge sacrifices,” said Jets head coach Claude Noel. “I don’t know if it was the way you want to manage the game, but that’s the way it goes. We knew they were going to press, but we were resilient in holding our position.

Slump-busting night for Winnipeg Jets in 3-1 win over Devils

Mark Scheifele and Evander Kane each snapped lengthy goal-scoring droughts and Devin Setoguchi provided the insurance marker with 27.1 seconds remaining as the Winnipeg Jets said so long to a four-game losing skid with a 3-11triumph over the New Jersey Devils before an announced crowd of 12,253 at the Prudential Center.

The Jets improved to 11-11-4 and are back in action Wednesday night against the New York Islanders as they continue a season-long six-game road trip.

Scheifele took a pass from Michael Frolik before unleashing a wicked wrister to the glove side of Martin Brodeur in the first period and Evanander Kane snapped a quick shot home in the second period to provide the scoring for the Jets.

Scheifele had gone 24 games since denting the twine, while Kane went 11 games without a goal and now has seven, which leaves him second on the team to Bryan Little (12).